Playtime with Daddy

I came across this post of B that I never posted and thought I'd share it with you.  Actually, it's more for me for his book:)  I can so see Baby M in him when I look at these pictures.



B loves his Daddy. He likes to run and jump on Daddy T when Daddy T is lying on the floor. He likes to tickle our belly buttons and laughs when we laugh. He hates it when Daddy T tries to tickle me. Good boy!  Daddy T has really enjoyed getting to spend so much time with him. I never get tired of watching them interact with each other.  Daddy T can get heartier laughs out of him than I can. I get better cuddles out of B than Daddy T does, so I guess we each play our own roles in his life!

My Babies

Baby M's new word that she likes to say is "Bubba."  She tries to say B's real name but it doesn't always come out where you can understand it.  She loves her brother on most days and B loves her, except when she gets ahold of his horses, horse trailer, or trucks.  He's the only person that can get her to squeal in such a high pitch that you think your ears won't be able to handle all of the high pitches!  These two are different but both are strong-willed when they want their way.  They are so much fun to be with.  Just looking at their faces make my day.  Hard to believe my babies are growing up!

Book Review: I Am In Here by Elizabeth M. Bonker & Virginia G. Breen

Autism.  Most of you who know me know that this is a passion of mine.  I work with many children with autism and am a firm believer that they can do most anything any other person can do.  All that's needed is a little adaptation to help them find their voice and for them to express themselves.  For many, music is a voice for them.  For others, it's poetry, nature, etc.  For Elizabeth, it's poetry.

Elizabeth and her mom co-write this book, which is filled with poetry written by Elizabeth.  Her poetry offers insight into the world of autism that many of us don't get to hear about.  She is a non-verbal girl, but when she gets her letter board, she's an open book.  She shares about how she hates when people stare at her and she wishes people wouldn't.  She talks about how people look at her when her body does things, and she wishes she could stop it but she can't.  She wishes people would respect her and treat her as smart.  (By the way, she has quite an impressive IQ!) 

Elizabeth's mom writes in between Elizabeth's poetry and shares things from her mother's heart.  You can see the persistence in which she has fought for her daughter and the guilt that she has in her heart that she wants to be rid of so badly.  You see her joy when Elizabeth expresses herself and you hear her sadness when people treat her differently or don't want to offer to her what she needs.  You see the difference caring teachers make in a child vs. the ones that think it's more of a burden to work with Elizabeth.

I think that EVERY person should read this book, but especially EVERY therapist, friend, parent, family member of someone who has autism.  You will find yourself tearing up as you read Elizabeth's heart poured out through poetry.  You will also laugh to find out how she runs a hard ship when she is writing her poetry!  Read this book and tell someone else about it.  What an encouraging book for all.  I hope that Elizabeth releases more poetry so that we can all have another collection of her writings and into her world of autism. 

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Book Review: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

Lydia feels like she is spending her whole life making up for the mistakes she feels she has made as a wife and even as a daughter. (I think this is the character most women can identify with because we probably all feel like we are disappointing people all of the time when we are really trying our best.) When she gets word that her husband has died but that a Frenchman helped her husband, she seeks him out to obtain his parole. While out for a stroll at her parents house, a stranger meets her on the road and blackmails her, wanting her to introduce his friends to all of the people who present themselves to her house. She could object, but that would mean certain danger for her family and for her. What happens if she obliges? What does this stranger really want and why does the Frenchman present himself to her at her parlor? Will her younger sister fall for the friend of the stranger? If so, what will she tell him? Can Lydia trust the Frenchman and who was her husband, really? This was a different type of book for me than I normally read, but I found that I really did enjoy it. It had suspense, but not enough that made me feel like I needed to turn to the back of the book to see the ending! It had a love story attached, of course, but it was a love story that made sense for the time in history and for the characters. It was a book that was very believable. I can't wait to read book 2 in the series when she finishes it!

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Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Confident Heart video promo

A few posts ago, I revied the book A Confident Heart.  You can see my post here.  I wanted to include a video of the author discussing this book to help you get a good idea of what this book is about and why she wrote it.

Book Review: Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

Ever wonder what some Chinese people go through on a daily basis?  Do we realize the heartache that couples feel when they must give up a child because they can't afford to pay the fines for another child?  The Chang family had to put Lily up for adoption.  Due to the strict Family Planning Law, the couple was forced to give up Lily, who was their fourth child. 

Eager to adopt a child, Gloria and her husband Andrew, a pastor, have chosen to adopt 10-year-old Lily.  Lily's name is changed to Joy and she begins her new life in America.  Joy gives the Powells a run for their money and is completely rebellious and not very fond of Gloria, who does tend to be a bit overprotective. 

Back in China, Joy's sister, Kai Chang, has taken care of her mother who ends up dying from PKD.  Her promise to her mother was that she would find Lily and bring her home to be part of the Chang family again.  Kai, who has become a doctor and studies PKD, has found her sister and family living in Texas.  Kai feels it is urgent to talk to Lily because she's afraid Lily has inherited the PKD disease, as well, since it's genetic. 

Once Kai is reunited with her sister, Joy, Joy just wants to be with her biological family.  You can only imagine the hurt that Gloria and Andrew feels.  However, thanks to Kai, Joy starts treating her adoptive family better and actually forms a much better relationship with Gloria.

How will things turn out for Lily?  In the midst of all of this turmoil and heartbreak, will she turn to the one person who can give her hope?  Does she have PKD and if she does, how will it change her outlook on life?  Will the Powells and Changs actually become friends or will there always be hurt between the two families?

This is a must-read for absolutely anyone who likes a heartwarming story.  This book has so many twists and turns and problems that arise that are similar to what a real family going through this might would face.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book if you read it.

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For more reviews, check out : http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13431458)

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse. This is my honest opinion and was in no way compensated for this review.

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Title: Win a KindleTouch from Patti Lacy!

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book, Reclaiming Lily,  with a KindleTouch Giveaway, blog tour and FB Book Chat Party!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!

Patti and her publisher, Bethany House, are giving away a Reclaiming Lily prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new just released KindleTouch with Wi-Fi


• $25 gift cetificate to Amazon.com

But, wait there’s more!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/19! Patti will be announcing the winner of the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway at her Party on Facebook October 20th! She’ll be hosting a book club chat of Reclaiming Lily (it's okay if you haven't read it - you could win a copy!) and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Amazon.com, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on 10/20/11 at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)! RSVP today!

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Our Delightful Girl

Baby M smiles a lot....really unless she's tired, hungry, or doesn't know you.  She is laid back (minus the tantrums she has learned to throw from her big brother) and is growing so much daily.  Where did my tiny baby go?!  She signs about 5-6 signs to us, which is a lot better than her screaming.  Her and B tend to get in squabbles more and more and I find that I spend more of my time breaking that up or disciplining or teaching B better ways to handle getting mad.  Yes...we rehearse scenarios and statements and we've had long talks about selfishness and our sin.  I want both of our kids to be selfless and am excited about some ministry ideas we are going to do.  I want them to learn early on to serve and I think they can learn that at an early age.  I love Charlotte Mason's approach to character qualities/habits and young children.  I'm striving to find all the teachable moments that I can, even though I know that I'm sure I'll miss plenty.

I'm so thankful for this little joy in our lives and for the playtime that we get to spend together.  I'm incredibly thankful to be there to watch her grow up most of the day....even if there are days where I think I'd rather work full time so I can get away from home and the whining! 

This was the best $3 I have ever spent on a toy!  Baby M plays with this for at least 10 minutes every day.  It beeps and turns and opens, which are all pluses for babies.  Did I say it was only $3 at a consignment sale?  So ready for another consignment sale.  They're the best!

Book Review: Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

A friend first suggested Colleen Coble to me and had told me that she was such a great author and that I would enjoy her books.  Intrigued by her recommendation, I went to the bookstore and bought 2 of her books and I can honestly say that my friend was right.  I now have most of her books and not one of them is bad!  When I saw this one come across booksneeze, I made sure to grab it in time.  It was not a waste of my time!

Full of romance and mystery, it leans more to the mystery side than to the romance side.  5 years ago, Eden's daughter was murdered in a kidnapping plot that went wrong.  But wait.  Eden has just found out that perhaps her daughter hasn't died and her husband just might not have signed the divorce papers like he said he did.  Clay has just received a clue that could mean that his daughter didn't really die in the kidnapping plot.  Clay asks Eden to help him and really wants to reconcile their relationship.  Could their relationship possibly stand the ups and downs of a lost daughter?  Will the lost daughter be found?  Who really was murdered?  What will happen when Eden's life is put in danger?

Mystery lovers, check this book out.  You won't be disappointed in any of her books.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

What I learned on the farm

I blogged about our camping trip, but I didn't blog about what I did after the camping trip.  The kids and I went to the farm and stayed with my parents.  It was nice and relaxing and I had fun playing with the kids and running with them and playing ball with them.  Those are all things that I suddenly become too busy to do when I come home, although I have changed that as much as I can over the past 2 weeks.

You see, my dad is the most patient person I know.  Let me clarify: yes, he can be pushed over the edge, but when he knows in your heart that you want to do something, he supports you and tries to help you learn or understand.  Case in point: On Friday night, Pop told B that they were going to have to eat a big breakfast the next morning because they were going to be going to do some hard work the next day.  The water trough had a leak in it so Pop was going to take B with him to fix it.  Pop easily could have had us watch B until he was done (which I would have done because it would have been much faster).  However, he let B tag along, which B loved, and Pop showed him what he was doing and talked about it.  Pop was so patient with B and when I went out to check on them and to bring B his brown bag lunch (which he was delighted with), I could tell he was having a blast.  He thought he was so big. 

Just watching Pop interact with B in this way reminded me that sometimes (and probably MOST of the time) it is so important that B works WITH me even if it does take a whole day to do things.  I know they say that you enjoy your grandchildren more because you've learned by then what is truly important.  However, I don't want to enjoy my grandchildren more.  I want to enjoy my own children right now.  I'm so thankful for a godly father who demonstrates godly characteristics to me.  He knew I was watching when I was little, but I don't know if he realizes that I'm still watching him today and learning from him.  Thank you Pop for your example in my life and in the lives of your grandchildren.

Side note: we completed this day with a ride on the trailer to check on the cows and to go see the horse and mule.  Baby M and B took turns riding with Pop on the big tractor while Mama and I rode in the trailer with whichever child wasn't driving.  It's really difficult to say which of the kids love the farm more!

Book Review: The Measure of Katie Callaway by Serena Miller

Married to an abusive husband who attempted to kill her, Katie fled Georgia and headed to Michigan with her brother.  Once she's in Michigan, she changes her name and is hired on as a cook in a lumber camp.  Robert, the man who hires her, isn't quite so sure that this beautiful, kind girl will truly be able to hold her own in this camp that is full of harsh conditions and continuous work.  How will Katie be able to hid her past when she starts to feel a deep connection, and quite possibly...love, with the man who hired her.  What happened to her violent husband?  Could her marriage be restored?

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the lumber camps and how the Civil War affected the different parts of the country.  It was an interesting perspective, which made me want to look up some of the history to learn about the lumber camps.  I had honestly never heard of it when talking about the conflict that happened after the Civil War had ended.

This book has it all....danger for those who are thrill seekers and romance for those who like a love story.  Definitely enjoyed my first book by Serena Miller.

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This book was given by Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  You can find this book at any bookstore. 

Cabin Camping

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the kids and I had a wonderful and relaxing trip this past weekend.  We went hiking, made campfires, and played outside all day.

Yes...we let them jump on the bed.  They loved it and no one got injured.

We were thankful for Summer's campfire skills!  Thanks to her random things in the car, she was able to start the fire.  The S'mores were great!

They loved throwing rocks in the water.

Thanks Confessions of a Misplaced Alaskan and The V Files for spending a wonderful weekend with us!  I miss all the noise from the kids!

Book Review: Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

Moms, if you're looking for a sweet present for your child that you can read at bedtime, grab this book.  I always buy my child a new book each year for their birthday.  I try to find a book that says how I'm feeling about them that year.  Needless to say, I'm going to have to buy another copy of this book!

Max Lucado talks about how God made us and we are very special to Him.  He then relates it to the relationship between the parent and the child.  He shows the child how a parent's love for their child grows daily.  He ends the book by telling the child that not only is our home a special place for us to live, but so is Heaven, which God created, as well.

I loved the illustrations in this book and thought that it was a beautiful book: both story-wise and illustrations.  Both of my children enjoyed reading this book with us.

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Hello, Hollywood by Janice Thompson

Girls, I have another recommendation for you!  You've got to read this book.  It has not only romance, but humor as well.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and found myself laughing out loud in certain parts.

28-year-old Athena Pappas is the main writer in one of the most popular television sitcom shows, Stars Collide.  Athena is able to be funny, but when the show hires another man, Stephen Cosse, to help write on the show, her job starts to feel a little unsafe.  You see, Stephen is a Vegas comedian....who might be slightly funnier than Athena because it comes a bit more naturally to him than it does to her.  Considering that these two are always focused on the little details, what will happen when these two start to feel attraction towards each other?  Just how far will they go to "script" our their love life?!  You can start to imagine how this might go! 

This is a book that is definitely worth reading.  I'm going to have to go and check out her first book in the series now.

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Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: The Story of Noah's Ark: Storybook and Wall Clings

This book came just in time for us for our preschool Bible time.  We were studying about Noah's Ark and this book fit perfectly.  They book is very colorful and tells the story of Noah and the Ark and the animals.  I loved the wall clings because it gave something for my son to do while I read and then he was able to retell the story back to me. 

If you have a child in your life, this would make a wonderful present.  The wall clings are moveable and come off the wall easily and never makes a mark.  They fit back on the pages easily as well.  In fact, my son liked putting them back because it was like a puzzle to him...to make sure they were back where they came from!

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange or my honest opinion.

Book Review: The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips

What comes to your mind when I say one word: Christianity?  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not content with the Christianity of today.  A lot of compromise has gone on that goes against the Word of God.  Bible teachers are preaching in a way to make people more comfortable, watering down the word so that no one gets their feelings hurt or walks away from the church.  I love going to churches where the pastor shares the Word without abandon.  Let God do the talking...not a bunch of opinions. 

That's exactly why I like this book.  Dan compares the Christians of the first generation with those of today.  The Christians of the early church abandoned EVERYTHING to follow Christ.  They didn't let mockery or persecution stop them.  Why in the world were they more effective in teaching God's Word than us, who have the world at our fingertips when it comes to the internet and other "more effective" ways to reach the world?  But Phillips' book comes with a warning: Embrace a biblical worldview---and hang on tight.

I think all should read this book.  It's not comforting, but it was very interesting.  Christianity isn't about being comfortable or about taking a little of this and a little of that and forming a Christianity that we're comfortable with.  If you want the Gospel, you have to take the whole Gospel.  That's exactly what is seen throughout this book.  Very good book to read at this time when churches everywhere seem to be struggling with staying devoted to the truth of God and not the opinion of man.

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.